Nigeria vs New Zealand: Aston Villa, Brighton, Rangers stars top 24-player squad to tackle Super Falcons

The New Zealand women’s national football team has invited 24 players for a friendly match against the Super Falcons of Nigeria in April.

The match, which will be held in Turkey, is part of the teams’ preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia. 

Coach Jitka Klimková has named a mix of experienced and new players for the friendly.

Wellington Phoenix forward Milly Clegg has been called up for the first time after a successful season with her club and country, including scoring goals at both the U-17 and U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cups.

Michaela Foster is also included in the squad for the first time after being called up as a late injury replacement player during the February camp.

Returning to the squad are goalkeeper Victoria Esson and forward Jacqui Hand, who all missed the previous window due to injuries.

They join Celtic’s Olivia Chance, Aston Villa’s Anna Leat, and Brighton’s Rebekah Stott in the squad to trade tackles with Nigeria.

Overall, the squad includes players from clubs in Australia, Denmark, England, Finland, Scotland, Sweden, and the United States.

Recall that Super Eagles head coach Randy Waldrum has already released a roster of 23 players to prosecute the friendlies against New Zealand and Haiti next month.

The American tactician recalled China-based Desire Oparanozie after nearly four years in the international wilderness. The Super Eagles will also count on the abilities of Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala and Atletico Madrid for the games.

The full squad for the friendly match against the Super Falcons is as follows:

Invited players: Mackenzie Barry (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand), CJ Bott (Leicester City, England)

Katie Bowen (Melbourne City, Australia), Claudia Bunge (Melbourne Victory, Australia), Olivia Chance (Celtic, Scotland), Milly Clegg (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand)

Daisy Cleverley (HB Køge, Denmark), Victoria Esson (Rangers, Scotland), Michaela Foster (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand), Jacqui Hand (Aland United, Finland), Betsy Hassett (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand), Grace Jale (Canberra United, Australi), Anna Leat (Aston Villa, England), Mikayla Moore (Glasgow City, Scotland), Erin Nayler (IFK Norrköping, Sweden), Grace Neville (London City Lionesses, England), Gabi Rennie (Arizona State University, USA), Ali Riley (Angel City, USA), Indiah-Paige Riley (Brisbane Roar, Australia), Paige Satchell (Wellington Phoenix, New Zealand), Malia Steinmetz (Western Sydney Wanderers, Australia), Rebekah Stott (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Kate Taylor, Wellington Phoenix, (New Zealand), Hannah Wilkinson (Melbourne City, Australia).